Jakarta, 3 July 2025 (dpa/MIA) – Four people died and dozens are missing after a ferry carrying 65 people capsized and sank overnight in the Bali Strait between the Indonesian islands of Java and Bali, authorities said on Thursday.

The vessel, the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, departed from Ketapang Port in East Java at 10:56 pm (1556 GMT) on Wednesday and sent a distress signal just over 20 minutes later, according to Wahyu Setiabudi, coordinator of the search and rescue post in Banyuwangi.

It was en route to Gilimanuk Port in Bali with 53 passengers and 12 crew members on board. The ferry was also carrying more than 80 vehicles, including around 20 large trucks and cars, as well as many motorcycles.

By Thursday morning, 10 survivors had been rescued, according to authorities. Several were rescued from the sea off Cekik on Bali. They had taken refuge on a life raft, authorities reported.

It was initially unclear whether tourists were among those affected, although this ferry route is generally used by few holidaymakers. The crossing usually takes less than an hour.

Vessel en route to Bali

"Shortly after the ship left the port, the crew sent a distress call," Wahyu said. 

Authorities have deployed nine vessels - including two each from the Indonesian Navy, the police, and the ferry company to comb the Bali Strait amid poor weather and high waves, officials said.

Unofficial reports circulating among port workers suggest the vessel may have experienced a leak in the engine room before overturning. The vessel was trailing southward and subsequently sank, according to unofficial reports.

At around midnight, a mayday call was reportedly received on a maritime channel, requesting urgent assistance due to an engine malfunction, according to local media. 

Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, relies heavily on ferry transportation. However, safety standards are often poorly enforced and maritime accidents are common.

Photo: EPA